Falcons Reinstate Kicking Competition Following Special Teams Struggles
The Atlanta Falcons are reigniting the competition for their kicking position, a decision underscored by the team’s recent struggles on special teams. Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed this move as they aim to address issues that have plagued the unit, which has significantly impacted their performance this season.
A Disappointing Loss in Carolina
The Falcons suffered a gut-wrenching 30-0 defeat to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, a game where the offense was under the spotlight for its lack of production. However, it was the special teams’ blunders that further compounded the team’s woes. Several significant miscues not only cost the Falcons points but also put them in challenging field position, allowing the Panthers to capitalize.
In response to these ongoing issues, the Falcons have signed kicker Parker Romo, parting ways with long-time kicker Younghoe Koo. Morris emphasized the need for competition, stating, “We gotta bring competition in. It’s what we’ve gotta do. You have to do that until you get it right.”
Kicking Woes Highlighted
The game against Carolina began poorly for the Falcons. After stalling on the Panthers’ 31-yard line, Romo missed a crucial 49-yard field goal attempt, which set the tone for a tough day ahead. The lone bright spot came when DeMarcco Hellams recovered a muffed punt deep in Carolina territory, but the Falcons failed to capitalize, resulting in another missed field goal attempt from 55 yards.
“There’s some life knocked out of you when you miss those field goals,” Morris reflected. “You gotta find a way to bounce back.” Romo ended the day with an 0-for-2 record after having successfully converted all five of his attempts the previous week against Minnesota.
Reflections from Romo
In the aftermath of the game, Romo remained focused, stating, “Just stay level-headed. Doesn’t matter if it’s one kick or the other, make or miss. Move on, make the correction, and let’s go.” His mindset will be crucial as he navigates the pressure of competition and the expectations that come with the role.
While it’s uncertain how much the missed kicks would have influenced the lopsided score, they represented the Falcons’ best opportunities to score. Yet, the kicking failures were merely one aspect of a larger picture filled with special teams inadequacies.
Additional Special Teams Misfires
The Falcons encountered further problems during the game, including a botched punt return where Ray-Ray McCloud was inadvertently tackled by his own teammate, and a kickoff return mishap that saw Nathan Carter slip, forcing the team to start from their own 20-yard line. Later, Natrone Brooks misjudged a kick, allowing it to slip between him and McCloud, leading to another poor starting position at the 10-yard line.
Morris acknowledged the challenges, saying, “Great job by those guys. That knuckleball kick, we knew about it, we talked about it, we trained for it. And we didn’t handle the situation well at all.” This lack of execution was not just disappointing; it was emblematic of the team’s broader struggles.
The Importance of Special Teams
In a game where every point is critical, special teams can often make or break a team’s chances of success. The Falcons’ mistakes in this area contributed significantly to their inability to compete effectively. While not the sole factor in their loss, the failures on special teams highlighted a troubling trend of inconsistency and lack of execution that the Falcons must rectify if they hope to turn their season around.
As Atlanta sits with a 1-2 record, the urgency to improve special teams is palpable. The competition for the kicking position will be fierce, but for the Falcons to prove they are playoff contenders, every facet of their game, especially special teams, must improve. The road ahead only promises to get more challenging.
